Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul faces a deepening reelection crisis as a new Siena College poll reveals just 36% of New York voters want her to serve a second term. A full 55% say they prefer someone else.
The poll marks a steep drop from last month, when 39% supported her reelection. Hochul, who took office after Andrew Cuomo’s resignation in 2021, announced her 2026 bid last July but continues to struggle with voter approval.
The latest numbers reflect growing Republican momentum in deep-blue New York. President Donald Trump lost the state by just 12.6 points in 2024, a sharp improvement from his 23.1-point loss in 2020. Siena’s data earlier this year even showed Trump viewed more favorably than Hochul by New Yorkers.
Although Hochul’s favorability now stands slightly higher than Trump’s—44% to 38%—the gap has narrowed. Among independents, 64% say they want a different governor. Among Republicans, that number jumps to 82%. Even 38% of Democrats say they prefer someone else over Hochul. Under Hochul’s leadership, New York has continued to experience rising crime, economic instability, a fleeing tax-base, and issues related to skyrocketing rates of immigration.
Republicans have yet to formally enter the 2026 gubernatorial race, but the poll shows Rep. Elise Stefanik leading potential GOP contenders with 35% support in a hypothetical primary. Rep. Mike Lawler trails at 22%, followed by Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman at 11%.
